Numb Hands

[PhilaGuy]

Hey Everyone:  I've been recently diagnosed, type 2b, high viral load, probably had for 20 years.  I became symptomatic late last year which led me to see my physician.  I've recently seen a hepatologist and will probably start treatment shortly (after the battery of tests, eye exams, stress test, etc!).

Anyway, for the most part I'm feeling fine, except for one thing that developed sporadically late last year and now occurs every night.  I wake up several times a night and my hands range from being tingly to being completely numb.  My hepatologist doesn't think this is due to cryoglobulinemia, but is doing a blood test to make sure.  

My question is, do any of you have experience with this symptom?  Can you have it with HepC in the absence of cryoglobulinemia?  It's the one symptom that really freaks me out, and it seems to be getting worse.  What have your doctors said about it?  Can I be sure it's from the HepC and not, say, MS or something else?  My doctor's great overall, but I was a little put off when he suggested I was probably sleeping on my hands!  I've talked to twotells about it, and have seen posts on the subject from tallblonde and ringading, but wanted to get some other's experiences as well.  Thanks so much!

[PhilaGuy]

It's pretty well documented.  And who you calling middle aged??  ;-)

http://hepcvets.com/se/painful.html

http://www.hepcchallenge.org/manual/signs_symptoms_final.htm

http://millercenter.uchicago.edu/learnaboutpn/typesofpn/inflammatory/cryoglob.shtml

http://janis7hepc.com/Symptoms.htm

[CARUU]

My doc just called to order an MRI for numbness in my right hand.  It feels cold all of the time.  I have a long standing problem with my right shoulder.  The nerve that innervates the trapezius is not working correctly and causing muscle atrophy, tingling, cold hand.  I don't know if it's related to hepc, but suspect there could be a realtion between hep and nerve damage.  I just heard the MRI will be on Jan 30, at 6AM!  Fun, Fun!  I'll keep you posted. caruu

[couchpotato]

This is the first I've heard of numb hands having anything to do with hep. Mine were like that a few years back but my doc. diagnosed it as Carpal tunnel and I would wear braces on both wrists at bed time. Anyway, as suddenly as it started it just went away, so really didn't give it any more thought. Are you sure we're not contributing every ache and pain to hep. instead of just the results of middle age????

[markely]

I still have this and it is scary at times. Mostly when my hands are resting on my desk or by my sides when I lie down. I have not started tx but in the next two weeks I begin to fight the dragon. Who knows what causes what right now, I'm just happy to know I'm not the only one...Good luck to all...

[ringading]

oh, i know you want to hear from others experiencing this...but just to let you know...it IS scary.FREAKED me out!!..and you reminded me that it happened alot while i was 'laying down' bed, or on the  couch. ( i had thought maybe the way i was laying was cutting off cirrculation or something) it has seemed to have subsided for me right now and i haven't had an 'episode' since that last time i enquired about it, when it travelled all the way up both arms.  my nurse did say there was a connection with the hep in some cases, but your wise to eliminate other causes as well.
good luck, hang in!
kimmy